Telecommuting | Meaning and Definition

Telecommuting refers to the employee’s ability to handle job operations from places other than the traditional workplace using various telecommunication tools like phone, chat, email, video apps, etc. All this has been made possible due to the pervasive growth and ubiquitousness of the Internet, artificial intelligence, unified communications, and robotics. Now, it is incredibly easier to perform work-related tasks from any part of the world. However, certain jobs that demand the operation of different physical tools and equipment are not suitable for telecommuting, such as vehicles, hotel management, etc., thereby reducing operational costs.

Benefits of telecommuting

Telecommuting offers immense benefits for the organization as well as its employees. Here are some of its advantages:

•   Employees get a more pliable work schedule as they can work without pressure and at their pace.
•   Employees no longer need to bear transportation costs and save time which allows them to be more productive at their work.
•   Employees do not need to deal with the distractions commonly seen in the workplace.
•   Telecommuting enhances employee loyalty and autonomy.
•   Allows enhanced work-life balance for workers.
•   Helps organizations save on several overheads.

On top of this, telecommuting is deemed a highly sustainable practice, as fewer employees need to travel, which directly reduces carbon-dioxide emissions. However, tele-commuting is not free of challenges. Some downsides of the same are:

•   Less social and personal contact with coworkers and managers
•   Distractions at home may lower employee productivity
•   Supervising employees becomes difficult for managers
•   An organization’s security might be reduced
•   IT-related problems may cause difficulties
•   Employers can not regulate how employees use their time.